Community volunteers help prepare for homecoming celebrations

Community volunteers and local organizations have been hard at work improving public spaces in Caliente ahead of the busy summer season, with recent efforts focusing on Rose Park and recognition for departing city employees.

Renovations were completed at the Rose Park horseshoe pits through a partnership between the Caliente Memorial Day Homecoming Committee, Ella Mountain Wildfire Solutions and Kegwood Outdoors.

According to organizers, the Homecoming Committee funded the materials and equipment for the project while crews from Ella Mountain Wildfire Solutions and Kegwood Outdoors donated their labor and time to complete the improvements.

Work at the horseshoe pits included adding new sand, installing updated backstops and repainting the area to improve the experience for both local residents and visiting competitors during future tournaments and community events.

Organizer thanked Keri Mangum and the volunteer crew, along with Homecoming horseshoe coordinator Burt Mangum, for their continued dedication to the project and support of the community.

Additional cleanup efforts also took place Tuesday, May 19, during a community-wide volunteer cleanup at Rose Park. Volunteers, including Ed Fruend, Burt and Robin Mangum, Ron Washburn, Chris Mangum, Bill Bradshaw, Chris Connor and several local students, gathered to help clean and improve the park grounds.

Volunteers were divided into sections, and heavy equipment was used to clear collected debris and brush piles throughout the area. Organizers noted that cleanup efforts continued into the afternoon and expressed appreciation for the many community members who donated their time to improve the park.